Porter County Aging and Community Services (PCACS) is in the midst of the
Energy Assistance season and the agency has already helped more than 500
clients through this essential program.

The income-eligible program helps qualified participants who need assistance
with their energy bills during the winter season. When participants qualify
for a determined amount, the payment is electronically paid to the
appropriate energy company.

Those who have been issued a disconnect notice or need more immediate energy
help can be seen as a walk-in, on a first-come, first-serve basis, at the
agency’s offices, 1005 N. Campbell St. in Valparaiso. Anyone in need of help
should call the PCACS’ offices to schedule an appointment and to receive
details on what documents and information are needed to qualify.

“We remind the community that in order to be successful to apply,
individuals must have the right materials,” PCACS Executive Director Bruce
Lindner said. “We are scheduling approximately five appointments a day to
allow for walk-ins. We continue to encourage community members to call ahead
in order to review what documents and information are needed to complete the
process.”

In general, individuals will need to have a recent energy bill that includes
the applicants’ name, Social Security cards for everyone in the household,
and proof of income from all sources for household members over 18.

If applicants are renting, they need to have a Landlord Affidavit completed.
This form is available at PCACS, at the trustee offices in Portage,
Chesterton, and Hebron, and via PCACS at

www.portercountyacs.org
Additional documents may be needed for some circumstances and the staff can
identify these before the appointment.

“As we have a larger volume of calls, please be patient when our lines are
busy. We recommend not waiting on hold but call back in 15 to 20 minutes,”
Lindner said. “Our Energy Assistance Program staff consists of many
volunteers who help us keep the program running effectively and
efficiently.”

Appointments may be scheduled by calling PCACS at (219) 464-9736.

PCACS’ mission is to extend a helping hand to seniors, those who are
disabled, and low-income residents by providing services to improve their
quality of life, including transportation, nutrition programs, energy
assistance, and activity centers.